PDBF MUST BE REINSTATED AS AN NSA

In 2011, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under Richie Garcia issued a board resolution that put dragon boat under canoeing and PCKF. The board resolution is shown below.

 What is very interesting about the PSC resolution is that the placement of dragon boat under canoeing and PCKF was based on the recommendation of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC. Clearly, this is a violation of sports autonomy as guaranteed by the IOC Constitution. It is interesting too that the resolution does not mention about an "IOC directive" that POC President Cojuangco cited as the reason for the placement of PDBF under PCKF. PSC could not mention the "IOC directive" in the resolution  because no such directive was ever issued by IOC. Instead, PSC used the word "recommendation".

But there are two points about the resolution that defy logic. One, PDBF was already setting world records and winning world championships one after the other. Why then did POC and PSC make an effort to place PDBF under a non-performing national federation such as PCKF? Up until 2011, PCKF has not won a single medal nor trophy in international competitions. So why place a well-performing PDBF under an inutile PCKF?

Two, the US Dragon Boat Federation is not under canoeing nor ICF. It is under IDBF just like PDBF. Thus, it is not true that dragon boat must be under canoeing and ICF to be considered a national federation for dragon boat.

Since it was PSC that finalized the displacement of PDBF, it is only proper that the new PSC administration fix the injustice done to PDBF by its predecessor. PDBF has given the country much honor and pride in top international tournaments like the World Cup and World Championships. It is only right that it is reinstated as a national federation.

MEQUI-LOS PROTESTA SI DR. MEQUI

Matapos mawala sa mata ng publiko ng higit dalawang dekada, nagbabalik si Dr. Apericio “Perry” Mequi para pangunahan ang tawag sa pagbibitiw sa puwesto ni Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Peping Cojuangco. Isa si Dr. Mequi sa mga utak sa pagtitipon na magaganap sa ika-21 ng Setyembre 2017. Ang pagtitipon ay binansagang “ Peace and Change in Philippine Sports”.

Sa isang panayam ng inyong lingkod, inilahad ni Dr. Mequi ang iba’t-ibang layunin ng pagtitipon na inaasahang dadaluhan ng mga atleta, coaches, sports officials at fans.

Narito ang kanyang mga pahayag.

1.     Bakit mo naisipang magsagawa ng rally o pagtitipon laban kay POC President Peping Cojuangco?

The reasons for the rally goes back to even last year when we campaigned for POC to hold an open, free and democratic election because we believed that Peping after 12 years of unproductive and disastrous performance as evidenced by continuous deterioration in performance plus bad governance as proven by unliquidated public funds, should resign and provides for change in leadership. So, the call for Peping's resignation is not a new campaign.

2.     Anu-ano ang layunin ng rally ?

Ang layunin ng rally is to convince the POC General Assembly to declare a vote of confidence against Peping. It's only the POC GA that can oust Peping. No other entity can do this. Kaya, para sa POC GA ang aming mensahe for Peace and Change in Philippine Sports.

3.     Ano ang masasabi mo sa sinabi ni Cojuangco na nangugulo ka lang at bayaran?

Sa isyu ng bayaran. I am personally an example of a government servant who didn't use my position to enrich myself. During my brief stint at PSC, I was signing checks worth P7m to P15m per week. But barely a week after assuming the chairmanship, I recommended it's abolition because I saw that it's organizational and staffing pattern were deficient. It had no nationwide offices and the salary scales could not attract good professionals. I wanted out of the PSC. In contrast, Peping wants to hold on. I have no unliquidated funds after working in government for over 30 years.

4.     Ano ang malaking pagkakamali o pagkukulang ni Cojuanco bilang POC president?

Ang pagkukulang ni Peping is that HE HAS NO ARTICULATED VISION, MISSION AND PLAN FOR PHILIPPINE SPORTS. He keeps harping on sports NUTRITION for athletes. Nutrition is like the gasoline that you load up in a rocket ship or a car. Kahit na it's the best fuel, if you have no idea where you want the rocket to land or where to take the car, then it's useless. And most of all, Peping NEVER PRESENTED ANY PLAN BECAUSE HE HAS NO ARTICULATED GOALS OR OBJECTIVES TO PURSUE. "Without a plan, a goal is just a wish." (Antoine de Epuery). Peping has no vision, goal, objective or plan for Philippine Sports. So, all he had been doing for some 13 years as POC President is wishing.

5.     Kung mapapatalsik si Cojuangco, sino ang nakikita mong puedeng pumalit?

Anyone among the NSA Presidents who: 1. Is a man of independent means, may sariling yaman or may strong corporate backer, so that he can perform his role as volunteer, receiving no salary, for the services he renders to promote his sport. 3. Has a good background in business management. 4. Formers athlete who had competitive experience. 5. Is known and respected by the IF members of his sport, and 6. Has a reputation of honesty, respectability, statesmanship and integrity in the sports community.

6.     Paano mapipigil ang patuloy na pagbagsak ng Philippine sports?

To arrest the downward trend of Philippine sports, we have to invest on the very basics instead of aspiring for excellence without INVESTING ON LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT. These long term development starts with SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION the foundation of grassroots sports. The PE and school sports program is a BIG JOKE! While the acceptable principle and practice of PE worldwide is DAILY ONE HOUR activity, DepEd policy is once or twice a week. This is FOOLISH! We have to begin organizing and nurturing a SPORTS CLUB SYSTEM in schools and communities. Lastly, invest on the training of professionals who will be man the national sports program. While other countries have colleges and universities of physical education and sports, we have none in the Philippines that's adequately staffed and with appropriate curricular offerings. We should posthaste establish a CHARTERED STATE COLLEGE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS SCIENCE.

7.     May pag-asa pa ba ang Philippine sports umangat?

YES, IN THE LONG TERM--NOT IN THE SHORT TERM. May nagsabi na ang Pinoy ay mahilig sa shortcut.  This is not possible in Philippine sports. In my mind, if we adopt the recommendations I cited above, we should see some improvements in 16 years.

  

PVF IS STILL THE FIVB MEMBER

courtesy of worldofvolley.com

"The FIVB Legal and Transfers Department notes that Article 2.2.7.2 in fine FIVB Constitution states that “in the event that a National Federation ceases to fulfill any of the conditions for affiliation, such National Federation shall, even if provisionally affiliated, lose all of its rights until such time as the conditions of affiliation are met”. Because the Philippines Volleyball Federation no longer meets the conditions to be affiliated to the FIVB, the FIVB Legal and Transfers Department can only conclude that the Philippines Volleyball Federation has provisionally lost all of its rights, except membership to the FIVB." 

- FIVB Working File World Congress 2016

What is significant in the FIVB statement above are two points :

1. PVF has not lost its membership to FIVB. Thus, LVPI cannot be admitted as a member.

2. PVF has the right to fulfill the requirements of FIVB for reinstatement.

The fight for PVF is indeed far from over.

PHILIPPINE NAVY SHOWS MIGHT AT THE CHERIFER PREMIUM-PDBF REGATTA 2017

The teams of Philippine Navy stamped their class by besting a total of 43 teams to win first place in all the three categories at the recently concluded second leg of the Cherifer Premium- PDBF Boat Regatta 2017. Philippine Navy finished first in the Women Small Boat, Mixed Standard and Open Standard to score a sweep at the regatta held at Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard last July 9, 2017.

The complete list of winners are as follows :

WOMEN SMALL BOAT
1. Philippine Navy
2. Triton A
3. RCP Sea Dragons
4. Rogue Philippines

MIXED STANDARD
1. Philippine Navy
2. Philippine Coast Guard
3. Triton A
4. RCP Sea Dragons

OPEN STANDARD
1. Philippine Navy
2. Philippine Coast Guard
3. Bruins
4. RCP Sea Dragons

The associations that participated include the following :

1. Adamson Paddlers
2. Amateur Paddlers Philippines
3. Bruins
4. Dragons Republic
5. Maharlika Dragon A
6. One Piece Drakon Sangres
7. Onslaught Racing Dragons
8. Philippine Blue Phoenix
9. Philippine Coast Guard
10. Philippine Navy
11. Philippine Wave Warriors
12. RCP Sea Dragons A
13. RCP Sea Dragons B
14. Rogue Philippines
15. Triton Team A
16. Triton Team B
17. UP Alumni Crew

LETTER OF POC PRESIDENT PEPING COJUANGCO TO FIVB

IVAN VILLANUEVA : NO RICE KAYA RISE ANG POINTS AT REBOUNDS SA PBA D-LEAGUE

Unti-unti nang gumagawa ng sariling pangalan si AMA Online Education power forward Ivan Villanueva sa PBA D-League sa tulong ng pagbabawas ng timbang. Matapos magbawas ng 30 pounds, biglang gumanda ang laro ng bente-dos anyos na dating player ng Adamson.. Kontra Zark's Burger, nagtala siya ng 29 points at 15 rebounds. Kontra Batangas, pinangunahan niya pa rin ang kanyang koponan sa pagkubra ng 14 points at 3 rebounds. Sa kasalukuyang PBA D-League Foundation Cup, bitbit ni Ivan ang averages na 13 points at 6 rebounds kada laro.

Sa isang panayam ni Bandera Correspondent Eric Dimzon, ikinuwento ni Ivan Villanueva ang kanyang pinagdaanan, kabilang ang pagdidiyeta, para gumanda ang kanyang laro. Narito ang kanyang mga sinabi.

1. Kailan ka nagsimulang maglaro ng basketball ?

Ivan Villanueva (IV)  : Elementary, siguro mga 8 or 10 years old, naglalaro na ako. Sa school ako nag-start maglaro ng basketball.

2. Naging malaking impluwensiya ba ang pinsan mong si Enrico Villanueva sa iyo para maging isang basketball player ?

IV : Sobra po. Siya po yung iniidolo ko bilang player. Gusto ko po maging player na tulad niya.

3. Ano ang itinuturing mong greatest achievement mo so far bilang basketball player ?

IV : Siguro po itong paglalaro ko sa PBA D-League. Bihira lang po nabibigyan ng pagkakataong makapaglaro dito. And by playing here, one step closer na po ako sa dream kong makapaglaro sa PBA.

4. Ilang taon ang binibigay mo sa sarili mo bago umakyat sa PBA ?

IV : Matagal pa po siguro. Mga 5 years pa po siguro.

5. Ano ang dahilan at biglang gumanda ang laro mo ?

IV : Siguro po yung sistema talaga ni Coach Marek kasi po ginagawa ko lang yung sinasabi niya sa akin sa practice at before the game. Kasi sariling sikap lang po ako. Hindi naman po ako pinapasahan dahil may plays para sa akin. Ang sinasabi lang sa akin ni Coach eh cut lang ako nang cut sa ilalim.

6. Bakit mo naisipang mag-diet at magbawas ng timbang ?

IV : Yung stay ko sa Letran ng one year, sila po yung nagsabi sa akin to lose weight. Ako naman, di ko sineseryoso. Then dumating yung time na kinakatakutan ko. Nagkaroon ako ng MCL injury. Yun, pinagawa nila sa akin yung military diet. Nagawa ko naman. Tiniis ko dahil ayaw ko na maulit yung injury ko. From 250 pounds, bumaba ang timbang ko to 221. in one month. I am now at 220 pounds.

7. Ano ang puede mo kainin sa diet na sinusunod mo ngayon ?

IV : Breakfast, banana or one hard boiled egg lang and cheese. Sa lunch, one can of tuna and wheat bread. No rice po ako.

8. Nakatulong ba ang pagbabawas mo ng timbang sa paglalaro mo ?

IV : Sobrang laki ng naitulong sa akin. Nagagawa ko na yung gusto ko gawin sa court. Nakakatakbo ako nang mas mabilis. Nakakatalon ako nang mas mataas. Wala akong nararamdaman na pain sa kness.

9. Ano ang pinakamahalagang aral ang natutunan mo sa basketball ?

IV : Siguro yung maging disciplined talaga. Wala dapat shortcuts. Kasi ako nagawa ko na mag-shortcut para sa career ko. Wala ring nangyari. Ngayon, ginagawa ko na lang ang best ko to improve my game through hard work.

10. Saang PBA team mo gusto maglaro ?

IV : Syempre sa Rain or Shine. Bukod saq nandun si Kuya Rico ( Villanueva ), gusto ko makalaro at makasama si Big Beau Belga. Idol ko rin po si Big Beau.

11. Masaya ka ba sa AMA Online Education ?

IV : Sobra po. Sobrang happy ako sa AMA.

12. Bilang player, ano pa ang kailangan mong i-improve ?

IV : Ang weight ko, kailangan ko pang mapababa. Then yung shooting ko. Lagi pong sinasabi sa akin na maliit ako at 6'2" kaya kailangan ko i-improve perimeter shooting ko.

13. Ano pa ang gusto mong maabot as a basketball player and individual ?

IV : As a player, yung maka-experience ng panalo sa D-League. Yung manalo kami kahit ilang games lang. Then makatuntong sa PBA. Ultimate goal ko maging PBA player.

As a person, magkaroon ako nang maayos na buhay nat ma-achieve ko yung mga goals ko.

ANG BAGONG IVAN VILLANUEVA NG AMA ONLINE EDUCATION TEAM

courtesy of slamonlineph.com

Sa pagbaba ng kanyang timbang, biglang tumaas ang kalidad ng laro ni AMA Online Education power-forward Ivan Villanueva. Matapos magbawas ng 30 pounds sa isang buwang pagdyidyieta,  nakapagtala ng 29 points at 15 rebounds ang dating player ng Adamson kontra Zark's Burger. Kontra Batangas, nagtala ang mas magaan na Villanueva ng 14 points at 3 rebounds para pangunahan ang kanyang koponan.

Abangan ang panayam ni Bandera Correspondent Eric Dimzon para malaman ang secret diet ni Ivan Villanueva na sadyang nagpabago ng kanyang laro.

WHEN BASHING IS A GOOD THING

courtesy of sports.inquirere.net

Officials, coaches and even players of LVPI are getting their fair share of bashing in social media.

While I usually do not condone it, bashing, as applied to LVPI officials, coaches and players is somehow warranted. We have to bear in mind that LVPI took it upon itself to improve the state of volleyball in the Philippines. It shamelessly took away from PVF the responsibility to "save" volleyball from further deterioration. It destroyed a national team program that PVF started which was supported by the biggest companies in the country. It destroyed a grassroots program that would have ensured the continuity of a sound and effective national team program.

After three years in power, LVPI only has dead-last finishes and massacres of its teams to show off. At the last Asian Women's Club Championship. the PSL-Rebisco team finished dead last and was badly beaten by unknown club teams. Despite the presence of volleyball "superstars" in its teams, LVPI teams continue to falter and fail to win medals for the country.

LVPI officials, including their coaches and players, should know by now that it will really take 5-10 years of a comprehensive and effective national team program for the Philippines to finally win in international tournaments. What LVPI offers is palliative by forming teams that merely practice a month before their tournament. The teams have tune-up games in China and Japan which LVPI thinks will turn the teams competitive overnight. And LVPI turns to media for hype which only frustrates the volleyball community once results from tournaments come in. For the SEA Games, LVPI dares to say to media that it hopes for a silver medal finish for its team in women's volleyball. This comes after finishing fifth in a field of six teams two years ago.

So I say let the bashings continue. Hopefully, the bashings will force LVPI officials, coaches and players to shape up and have the initiative to do well in a task that it took on without a blink of an eye.

ALYSSA SOLOMON : ANG SUSUNOD NA MUKHA NG PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Isa na namang Alyssa ang maging mukha ng women's volleyball sa Pilipinas. Siya si Alyssa Solomon, labing-limang taong gulang at kasalukuyang mag-aaral ng Perpetual Help Binan. Sa taas na 6'2", malaki ang potensyal ni Alyssa na maging pambato ng Pilipinas maging sa international tournaments. Sa nakaraang Palarong Pambansa, pinangunayan niya ang koponan ng CALABARZON sa kampeonato. Si Alyssa ang tinanghal na MVP ng torneo.

Kinapanayam ni Bandera Correspondent Eric Dimzon ang susunod na superstar ng Philippine volleyball. Narito ang kanyang mga pahayag.

1. Paano ka natutong maglaro ng volleyball ?

Yung parents ko po pinu-push po akong mag-volleyball pero ayoko po. Then one day, may pa-tryout sa school namin sa Balibago Elementary School. Ayun po, nagtuluy-tuloy na po dahil nagustihan ko na po.

2. Paano ka napunta sa Perpetual Help ng Binan ?

Yung coach ko po sa Balibago, ka-vlose po yung coach din po sa Perpetua;. Nirekomenda po ako  para maglaro sa Perpetual. Nakuha naman po ako. Grade 7 po ako nang lumipat po ako sa Perpetual Binan. 

3. Paano mo ilalarawan ang experience mo sa nakaraang Palaring Pambansa ?

Masata po kaso mahirap. First time ko po kasi na maglaro sa Palaro. Nakakakaba po.

4. Inaasahan ninyo ba na kayo ang magiging kampeon ?

Si Coach Regine (Diego) po expected niya na kaya po namin mag-champion. Pero kami po, hindi.

5. Ano ang pakiramdam nang mag-kampeon nga kayo?

Sobrang saya po kasi di po namin ini-expect. Umiyak po kami nang manalo kami dahil humabol lang po kami sa game.

6. In-expect mo ba na ikaw ang magiging MVP ?

Hindi po. Hindi po talaga.

7. Anong aral ang natutunan mo sa Palaro ?

Lumaban lang po at wag susuko.

8. Paano nakakatulong sa iyo ang volleyball ?

Yung parents ko po, walang binabayara sa school. Tapos po yung allowance ko po, binibigay ko sa kanila.

9. Nire-recruit ka na ba ng mga Metro Manila schools and universities ngayon ?

Ini-invite po ako. Naguguluhan po ako. Bata pa po ako para mag-desisyon nang matindi at madalian po.

10. Pangarap mo bang maging national player ?

Pangarap ko po yun. Gusto ko po maglaro sa SEA Games, Asian Games at kung sakali po sa Olympics.

11. May gusto ka bang pasalamatan sa tagumpay na inaani mo ngayon ?

Si Coach Regine po. Yung mga teammates ko po. Yung parents ko po. Pati parents po ng teammates ko po na effort po na panoorin kami. At yung Perpetual po.

ALYSSA SOLOMON : THE NEW VOLLEYBALL SUPERSTAR IN THE MAKING

At the last Palarong Pambansa, the girls volleyball team of Calabarzon exceeded expectations by defeating its more fancied opponents to bag the championship. Credit must go to the coach and its sensational rookie Alyssa Solomon. Solomon is only 15 years old but stands 6'2". Her volleyball IQ and skills make her a budding superstar in women's volleyball. Soloman was crowned MVP in the last Palaro.

Know more about her in an interview by yours truly.

ANG TAGUMPAY NI AMIEL KLYDE OBAY

Maraming kuwento ng tagumpay ang nabuo sa nakaraang Palarong Pambansa  na ginanap sa lalawigan ng Antique nitong nakaraang Abril. Isa na rito ang kuwento ni Amiel Klyde Obay ng Laguna. Sa kabila ng kahirapan sa buhay, nakuha pa rin ng Grade 9 na mag-aaral  ng University of Perpetual Help Binan  ang magpursige sa volleyball. Kaya naman, nakuha ng Perpetual Binan  ang kampeonato sa boys volleyball sa 2017 NCAA - South, 2017 Southern Tagalog Calabarzon Athletic Association (STACAA) AT 2017 Palarong Pambansa sa kanyang pangunguna bilang team captain.

Sa isang panayam kay Bandera Correspondent Eric Dimzon, inilahad ni Obay ang kanyang hirap patungo sa tagumpay. Narito ang kanyang mga pahayag.

1. Kailan ka nagsimulang maglaro ng volleyball ?

Obay : Grade 4 po. Sa Dela Paz Elementary School po sa Binan. 

2. Bakit volleyball ang napili mong isport ?

Obau : Actually po, gusto ko lang po tumakas sa klase nuon (tawa). 5 pm po kasi ang labas namin sa klase. Pero kung sasali po sa training sa volleyball, 4 pm ang labas namin. Kaya sumali po ako sa training (tawa).

3. Paano ka napunta sa Perpetual ?

Obay : Ni-recruit po ako. May dual meet po kasi nun at kasali po ang school namin. Naglaro po ako laban sa Perpetual. Nakita po ako ni Coach Edu (Lirio) at kinuha ako sa regional championship game. After the championship game po, kinausap po ako ni Coach Edu  at tinanong kung gusto kong mag-aaral sa Perpetual at maging player. Grinab ko na po yung opportunity. At binigyan po ako ng athletic scholarship.

4. Ano ang naging susi ng tagumpay ng iyong koponan sa Palarong Pambansa ?

Obay : Tingin ko po hardwork. May sistema po kasi ang training sa Perpetual. Talagang sinasagad po kami sa training ni Coach Edu. Hindi po kami pinapabayaan ni coach.

5. Inasahan mo ba na mananalo kayo ng ginto sa Palaro ?

Sa totoo lang po, hindi talaga. Nag-aalangan po kami. Pero alam po namin na may laban po kami. Bago po kami pumunta ng Palaro, nanalo na po kami sa NCAA South at STACAA in historic fashion.

6. Ano ang masabi mo sa experience mo sa Palaro ?

Obay : Nakaka-tense po. Halu-halo po ang emosyon lalo na at ako pa po ang team captain. 

7. Paano kayo ininspire ng mga coaches nyo sa Palaro ?

Obay : Lagi po nila sinasabi na hindi na sila ang magpapanalo sa amin. Desisyon na raw po namin ang manalo. Kaya yun po ang tumatak sa isip namin.

8. Ano ang mahahalagang aral ang natutunan mo sa Palaro ?

Obay : Kailangan pong magtiwala sa mga teammates. Mahalaga po ang disiplina. At Kailangan po buo ang loob para manalo. Wag intindihin ang mga sinasabi ng mga kalaban. At tiwala lang po sa sarili at Diyos.

9. Naiingit ka ba sa ibang players dun sa Palaro ?

Obay : Natutunan po namin sa Perpetual  na hindi namin kailangan ang magagarang  gamit at tirahan para manalo. Kaya hindi po ako nainggit.

10. Paano nakakatulong ang paglalaro ng volleyball sa iyo ?

Obay : Malaki po ang naitutulong ng paglalaro ko ng volleyball. Nakakapag-aral po ako sa Perpetual dahil sa paglalaro ko ng volleyball. Narututo rin po akong makisalamuha sa ibang tao dahil sa volleyball. Sa family ko rin po nakakatulong, Yung allowance ko nakakatulong sa gastusin po sa bahay kahit paano.

11. Supportive ba ang pamilya mo sa paglalaro mo ?

Obay : Supportive po sila. Kaso kulang po talaga sa financial kaya po hindi sila nakakapanuod sa laro ko. Nakikibalita na lang po sila. At yung nanay ko po, may sakit na bronchial asthma kaya di po talaga nakakapunta sa laro namin. Ang tito ko lang po ang sumusuporta sa pamilya namin. Wala na po sa amin si papa. Buti na lang po at nakaalis na po yung kapatid ko nitong nakaraan lang po para magtrabaho po sa Saudi.

12. Sinu-sino ang nais mong pasalamatan sa tagumpay na patuloy na dumarating para sa iyo ?

Obay : Unang-una po si God. Siya po ang may gawa ng lahat. Second po, si Coach Edu po.  Kahit po financially, tinutulungan po ako ni coach. Kahit po siya may pangangailangang pinansyal din, di po siya nagsasawang tumulong sa akin. Sa kanya ko po natutunan na wag sumuko sa mga hirap na pinagdadaanan sa buhay. At kay mama. Hindi po siya nagsasawang sumuporta kahit ganun po kalagayan niya. Salamat po talaga sa kanila.

THE STORY OF TRIUMPH OF AMIEL KLYDE OBAY OF REGION 4A

The video just about tells it all. Region 4A's gold medal finish at the recent Palarong Pambansa is an inspiring story of overcoming great odds to achieve the unimaginable. More specifically, it is the story of Amiel Kylde Obay who dares to meet life's tremendous challenges to triumph magnificently in the end.

The 9th grader Obay of  University of Perpetual Help Binan endured hard practices to become a member and eventually team captain of the UPHSD Boys Volleyball Team. Refusing to get bogged down by poverty and an ailing mother, Obay remains focused in his desire to help his family through volleyball. At present, the future is looking bright for the lean spiker after his sensational performance at the 2017 Palarong Pambansa. Despite her poor health, Obay's mother remains strong with her support to her son's promising volleyball career which pushes Obay to further excel.

At a time when there are no inspiring stories coming from bigger sports celebrities, Obay's story is indeed a welcome development.

Learn more of Obay's story in his interview with an Inquirer-Bandera correspondent.

HAS PVF LEARNED ITS LESSON ?

courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

At the 35th World Congress,  FIVB Honorary President Wei Jizhong cleverly aborted the sure reinstatement of Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) in FIVB. Wei, a close friend of Tats Suzara and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), created a great commotion  that forced FIVB to create an ad hoc committee to consequently junk the votation on the expulsion of PVF and acceptance of Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) to FIVB. The votation would have settled the dispute , once and for all, between LVPI and PVF, with the latter enjoying a favorable result.

Now, FIVB is set to make another crucial decision on the conflict. The ad hoc committee is set to release its findings and recommendations to the FIVB Board of Administration (BA) in a few weeks. It is the FIVB BA that will decide which Philippine federation will finally be recognized by FIVB. The decision is expected to come out on May 6, 2017.

While all things point to a PVF victory, the events at the last World Congress should remind PVF not to be complacent. After all, the FIVB BA is made up of people  who are close to Tats Suzara who is with LVPI. In fact, a number of those in the FIVB BA came to Manila to grace several event of Philippine Superliga (PSL).

PVF must therefore tell FIVB BA, in no uncertain terms, to decide judiciously. PVF cannot afford to lose again in yet another sure-win situation. PVF must be smart enough to know the true parameters of the game, work within its framework and play its cards right to ensure final victory.

PVF AND LVPI : THE RIGHT TO KNOW

courtesy of sports.abs-cbn.com 

It is incumbent on Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) President Edgardo Cantada to present solid proof that his latest pronouncements are true. After all, his statements carry a huge impact not only on PVF and LVPI but on the players, coaches and fans as well.

There are more than 40 players who are currently practicing everyday for the different tournaments that LVPI signified its intention to participate in. These tournaments include the 2017 SEA Games, 2017 Asian Volleyball Championships and 2017 Asian Women's Club Championship.There are 4 coaches who diligently map out plans to bring honor to the country. While I maintain that their loyalties are misplaced, I believe that they deserve to know whether all their efforts will be rendered useless and simply go to waste in the end.  If LVPI is indeed barred from sending teams to international tournaments, the players, coaches and fans need to be informed right now to prevent disappointment and frustration over the unnecessary waste of time and effort.

If the statements of Cantada are indeed true, then Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) can perhaps act accordingly. But PSC must first know the real deal with LVPI before taking any action.

Ang pagmamalasakit sa mga players, coaches at fans and dapat isaalang-alang ni Cantada at ng buong PVF.  Ang pagpapalabas ng katotohanan sa kalagayan ng PVF at LVPI ang gagabay sa mga tao sa tamang desisyon at aksyon. At ito rin ang gagabay maging sa PSC kung ito ay magbabalak man ng tamang hakbang sa gitna ng kaguluhan sa Philippine volleyball. Sa kabuuan, ang patotoo sa mga binitawang salita ni Cantada ang magbibigay ng bahagyang linaw at tamang direksyon sa pamamalakad ng volleyball sa Pilipinas.

COACHES VICENTE AND ACAYLAR MUST RESIGN

courtesy of abs-cbn sports

The presentation of the national pool proved to be a big disaster for Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Incorporated (LVPI). What was originally seen as a shining moment for LVPI turned.into a big nightmare as head coaches of the national pool were caught issuing false statements. Ateneo players spoke to disprove what head coaches Vicente and Acaylar said in a forum attended by sports writers. Thus, the statements of the head coaches were revealed to be false to volleyball fans and general public.

The false statements they conveniently issued should force Vicente and Acaylar to consider resigning from their posts. Their resignations are in order for the following reasons :

1. There was malicious intent to put the Ateneo players in bad light. The statements of Vicente and Acaylar give the impression that Ateneo players did not bother to respond to the invitation to serve the country through the national pool and eventually the national team. The statements likewise portray two of the Ateneo players as lacking in skills, making them unworthy of slots in the national pool.

2. Coaches Vicente and Acaylar desecrated the sanctity of the institution that is the national team and that of being a national player. In their attempt to show that the players were properly and strictly screened, they resorted to making false statements. The two coaches cheapened the national pool and its players with their careless and inaccurate statements.

3. Coaches Vicente and Acaylar have lost the moral ascendancy to coach the team with the loss of trust that their statements generated.

4. The public apology issued by LVPI is not enough to erase the stigma created by the statements of the two coaches on the national pool. In fact, the public apology only added insult to injury as it reduced the huge mistake into a mere "clerical" error. Heads must clearly roll.

Resignations must not only be confined to Vicente and Acaylar. It is to the best interest of Philippine volleyball that Cayco, Romasanta and Suzara tender their resignations from LVPI as well. After all, the three sports officials never said a word as the two coaches issued those false statements in their presence and in front of a crowd. Cayco, Romasanta and Suzara all just went along with the charade as it was happening in front of their faces. They, sadly, all played along with the mockery that was taking place in what should have been a presentation of the best in Philippine volleyball.

THE FIVB AD HOC COMMITTEE AND PVF

courtesy of youtube.com

I am rather dismayed that the leadership of Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) had a press release that gives the impression that FIVB is a bastion of justice. That with the creation of the ad hoc committee, PVF will surely be given the justice it truly deserves.

Truth of the matter is, the ad hoc committee was created to appease FIVB Honorary Life President Wei Jizhong more than anything else. Wei created a commotion just as the votation whether to expel PVF or not was to take place at the World Congress. The votation was a sure victory for PVF and defeat for POC and LVPI. Wei created a commotion to prevent the immediate and total victory of PVF. And to put order in the whole Congress, officials of FIVB proposed the creation of the ad hoc committee. The ad hoc committee did not really start from FIVB's desire to dispense justice. It was an accommodation to what a staunch supporter of POC and LVPI wanted. 

While I am truly praying that something good comes out of the ad hoc committee, the very reason for its creation casts doubt whether it can truly dispense justice. FIVB, right at the very start, refuses to give due process and fair play to PVF. PVF must work doubly hard than POC and LVPI to convince the committee that it is PVF that deserves to be recognized. So, the hope for justice to be finally served to PVF should really be tempered and put in its proper context.

UNITY IN PHILIPPINE VOLLEYBALL ?

courtesy of spin.ph

LVPI Vice-President Peter Cayco appeared on Sportsdesk recently. He was asked by the host, Mico Halili, if warring groups in volleyball can unite. Mr. Cayco quickly answered in the affirmative.

With all due respect to Mr. Cayco, I really don't think there can be unity in volleyball without justice. To this day, the officers and members of LVPI refuse to acknowledge that what they did to PVF is wrong. And to add insult to injury, LVPI  acts as if its non-acceptance as member to FIVB in Argentina did not happen.

Certainly, unity among volleyball officials is needed for Philippine volleyball to really take off and reach international caliber. But the people who, in the first place, caused divisiveness cannot and do not have the right to appeal for unity. Justice demands that these people who created the problems in volleyball in the first place must be removed. for true unity to materialize. After all, why must people unite with people who do not have a concept of what is wrong or right ? Why must people unite with people who initiated the moves to divide and conquer the sport of volleyball in the first place ?

THE LETTER OF POC PRESIDENT PEPING COJUANGCO THAT STARTED IT ALL

Dear President Graca:

Greetings!

We are communicating with you in support of our earlier emailed certification regarding our provisional grant of recognition to "LARONG VOLLEYBALL SA PILIPINAS INC." as the only and duly recognized National Sports Association for Volleyball.

Presently the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) has not served the best interest of Philippine Volleyball for years. This is glaringly manifested in Philippine volleyball being a non participant in the Southeast Games from 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 and a great number of tournaments.

To enable us to correct this deplorable situation, we are endorsing LARONG VOLLEYBALL SA PILIPINAS INC. for your recognition as the National Sports Association for Volleyball in the Philippines.

They will be initially represented by the following members of the board of trustees tasked to exhaustively organize, have legitimate stakeholders represented and thereafter have fair and democratic elections.

JOSE A. ROMASANTA President
RICHARD N. PALOU Secretary General
ANTONIO Dl. TAMAYO Treasurer
BENJAMIN I. ESPIRITU Trustee
RAMON C. MALINAO Trustee

We trust that LARONG VOLLEYBALL SA PILIPINAS INC. will merit your recognition as the Philippine Olympic Committee has granted them recognition to enable Philippine Volleyball to move forward soonest.

Our warmest regards and appreciation.

Very respectfully yours,


President Philippine Olympic Committee

Copy furnished:
1. Mr Wei Jizhong FIVB and AVC Honorary Life President
2. Mr. Essa Hamzah AVC 1st Executive Vice President
3. Mr. Shanrit Wongprasert AVC Zonal Vice President and Secretary General

THE LETTER THAT DISTURBED FIVB AND POC

courtesy of theodysseyonline.com

Dear National Federation President,

Greetings once again from the Philippines.

I initially wanted to answer Mr. Fabio Azevedo’s response to my first letter of appeal to you. But I do not want to burden you anymore with yet another long and tedious argument and to belabor the facts and issues involved. Instead, I wish to prove that Philippine Olympic President (POC) Jose Cojuangco Jr. did not tell the complete truth to FIVB. It is the only way to put a stop to, once and for all, all the arguments and justifications that FIVB is using in connection with its withdrawal of recognition from Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF).

In his letter to FIVB dated January 20, 2015, POC President Cojuangco stated that PVF “ has not served the best interest of Philippine volleyball for years “ as manifested by “ by being a non-participant in the Southeast Asian Games from 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 and a great number of tournaments. “ As a result, PVF lost its status as a national federation with the POC. And the POC president endorsed Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) as the new national federation for volleyball prompting FIVB to recognize LVPI as the new national federation thereafter.

But I wish to call your attention to the letters of intent and official line-ups of the PVF teams from 2007-2011 that were submitted to PSC by PVF precisely for the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG). The attachments are solid proof of PVF’S intention and desire to participate in SEAG from 2007-2011.  These attachments reveal that PVF was not remiss in its duty of forming national teams and discovering national athletes. Moreover, the attachments reveal that PVF ensured that the Philippines would be represented in SEAG. That PVF took the time and effort to prepare teams for the SEAG in all the years that the POC president mentioned. All these can hardly qualify as “ not serving the best interest of Philippine volleyball for years .” In 2013, PVF even intended to join the 17th Asian Women’s Senior Championship in Thailand as seen from one of the attachments.

PSC likewise issued a certification that “ Philippine Volleyball Federation is supporting the Philippine Sports Commission on the implementation of its grassroots sports programs namely, the National Youth Program - Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games (PNG) by providing technical experts or officials who administer the conduct and management of these national amateur volleyball events of the Commission. “ The certification certainly debunks the claim of Cojuangco that PVF has not served the best interest of Philippine volleyball most especially on the grassroots level. Kindly see the attachment of the said certification below for your reference.

According to the POC Constitution Article III b,  it is POC that shall be the sole authority for the representation of the Philippines at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games as well as other events held under the patronage of IOC and OCA and to undertake the organization of these Games when they are held in the Philippines. The term "representation" covers the decision to participate and the entry of athletes selected by their respective National Sports Association (NSA's). Thus, the non-participation of PVF volleyball teams in SEAG is therefore the work of POC itself. It is POC that refused to send the PVF teams to the SEAG. POC did not give PVF teams its approval to participate in SEAG despite their availability, willingness and preparedness to participate. What is only being observed is the apparent non-participation of PVF teams without taking into account why there is non-participation. POC refused to send PVF teams to SEAG for reasons that only POC knows. The blame for the non-participation of PVF teams to SEAG must be put squarely on the shoulders of POC.

In view of these latest revelations, I fervently hope that you see the need not to expel PVF from FIVB and to allow PVF to have a hearing at the Judicial Panel. FIVB committed a serious mistake in completely believing the statement of Cojuangco and aggravated that mistake when it decided to use Cojuangco’s misleading statement as basis for action.

It is now up to you to correct that mistake by voting no to the expulsion of PVF from FIVB and allowing PVF to present its case in a proper forum. That is the only way that justice can be served to PVF and the Filipino people in general.

Thank you.

Yours,

Eric F. Dimzon

Sports Journalist

WHY I BELIEVE PVF WILL LOSE ITS RECOGNITION FOR GOOD WITH THE FIVB BA

courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

I have said it before and I will say it again. Philippine Volleyball Federation  (PVF) will lose its recognition from FIVB for good if FIVB Board of Administration (BA) will have its way.

One merely has to read the 35th FIVB World Congress Working File to realize that the top brass of Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and FIVB really pushed for the expulsion of PVF. With a single letter from POC President Jose Cojuangco Jr., FIVB, in a week's time, withdrew its recognition from PVF. FIVB officials led by Graca, did not bother to study and evaluate the situation carefully and hastily gave its recognition to Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Incorporated (LVPI) which was endorsed by Cojuangco and Tats Suzara. FIVB cites Article 1.3.4 b in its constitution to justify the expulsion of PVF. But the said Article is wrongly applied to PVF since PVF is not anew applicant and was previously recognized by POC for the last 54 years. Hence, the Article cited by FIVB in expelling PVF is wrongly applied.

At World Congress in Argentina, the more than 200 member nations saw with their own eyes how FIVB Honorary Vice-President and BA member Wei Jizhong lawyered for POC and LVPI. Instead of maintaining neutrality, Wei blatantly campaigned for LVPI and succeeded in causing a commotion during Congress to protect LVPI. In the end, PVF representatives agreed to the creation of an ad hoc committee.

And this was the biggest mistake that PVF committed during World Congress.

The creation of an ad hoc committee paved the way for the same FIVB and AVC officials who campaigned actively for LVPI to decide the fate of PVF once again. At World Congress, what prevented the final expulsion of PVF from FIVB were the 200+ member nations, not the FIVB and AVC officials like Wei, Nasser, Wongprasert, Hoffiz and others. Bringing back the decision to the hands of these AVC and FIVB officials through the FIVB BA is a kiss of death for PVF. These officials will certainly not admit that they are partisan and will stand by their decision of withdrawing recognition from PVF than to admit their mistake.

To make things worse for PVF is that LVPI is so busy in forming national teams for the Asian Senior Championships and 2017 SEA Games. Once the ad hoc committee arrives in Manila and sees the active work of LVPI, members of the ad hoc committee will surely rule in favor of LVPI. PVF, instead of being highly visible with activities that will show its great promotion of volleyball in the country is unusually quiet these days. PVF President Boy Cantada seems to be so sure of victory for PVF when the ad hoc committee starts its investigation in Manila. Little does he realize that, from all indications, the decision is already a done deal and in favor of the other group if FIVB BA will have its say.